One of the first questions families ask when they call us is, “Do you have part-time?” I get it. As a parent myself, I know that work schedules, grandparents’ help, hybrid jobs and budgets all shape what your week looks like. Not every family needs five full days of child care, and not every child is ready for them.
Here at Sunny Days Children’s Academy in Cherry Hill, our schedules are flexible: three, four or five full days a week, all half days, or a mix of half and full days, including in our classrooms for 3s and 4s. In this post, I’ll walk you through how part-time and half-day preschool work, how to decide what fits, and what to ask before you sign up anywhere.
What Do “Part-Time” and “Half-Day” Preschool Mean?
Centers use these words differently, so always ask. In general:
- Part-time preschool or daycare means fewer days a week, usually two, three or four full days.
- Half-day preschool means a shorter day, often every weekday, with pickup around midday.
- Full-time means five full days a week.
At Sunny Days, full days follow our regular hours, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Half days run from 7:30 AM drop-off to 12:30 PM pickup. You can choose all half days, or mix half and full days in the same week.
Preschool Schedules at a Glance
| Schedule | What it looks like | Often a good fit for |
|---|---|---|
| 3 full days a week | Three full days a week, ideally the same days | Parents who work part-time, or have family help on the other days |
| 4 full days a week | Four full days, with one day at home | Families with a four-day or hybrid work week |
| 5 full days a week | Monday through Friday | Full-time working parents and kids who love a daily routine |
| 5 half days a week | Every weekday, 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM | Children new to group care, or families who want daily routine with more time at home |
| A mix of half and full days | Some half days and some full days each week | Families whose work days vary |
Part-Time vs. Full-Time Preschool: How to Decide
Start with your real week
Write down your work hours, commute and any days you truly have backup care. Be honest about the sick days, late meetings and school breaks. A schedule that looks fine on paper can get stressful when a grandparent is unavailable.
Consistency matters more than the number of days
Young children settle in through routine. Teachers and parents often notice that kids adjust more easily when they come on the same days every week, and that very short weeks can feel like starting over each Monday. If you’re choosing between two scattered days and three in a row, three in a row often makes for a smoother transition.
Think about your child’s age and personality
A social 4-year-old who’s getting ready for kindergarten may thrive on five days. A 2½-year-old in their first group setting may do beautifully with half days at first. There’s no single right answer, and it’s OK to change as your child grows. At Sunny Days, families can add days or switch between part-time, half-day and full-time during the year.
Budget honestly
Part-time care costs less overall than full-time, but it isn’t always cheaper per day, at any center. When you compare programs, ask for the cost of each schedule you’re considering. For our tuition, just reach out through our Contact Us page and we’ll walk you through the options.
A few things can help. We offer a 10% sibling discount on the older child and a 10% discount for active-military families. We also accept the NJ child care subsidy, and part-time care counts too. Read how the NJ child care subsidy works and how to apply.
Half-Day Preschool for 3s and 4s
Half-day preschool can be a gentle, joyful start. Children still get circle time, stories, art, play and friendships, just in a shorter day. At Sunny Days, we use The Creative Curriculum, the same curriculum used in Cherry Hill’s free pre-K program.
Depending on age, your child would join Preschool 1 for children 2½ to 3, Preschool 2 for 3- to 4-year-olds or our Pre-K classroom for 4- to 5-year-olds.
If you’re weighing a school-day program, our post on free pre-K in Cherry Hill vs. full-day preschool compares the hours side by side.
Questions to Ask About Any Part-Time Schedule
Bring this list on your tours. It works for any center, including ours.
- Which days are available, and are they the same every week?
- Can we add days later or switch to full-time?
- What are the exact drop-off and pickup times for half days?
- Are meals and snacks included on part-time and half days?
- Will my child nap on a half day?
- Is there a waitlist for the days we want?
- How does part-time work with the NJ child care subsidy?
At Sunny Days, meals from our in-house kitchen are included. Half-day children get lunch, plus breakfast if they arrive before 9:30 AM. Nap time is from about 1 to 3 PM, so half-day children head home before naps. For more tour questions, see my guide on how to choose a daycare in Cherry Hill.
Year-Round Hours That Work With Real Life
Whatever schedule you choose, you’ll have the same dependable hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, year-round. We’re also open on most days the Cherry Hill school district is closed, which helps when older siblings are home. If you’re still sorting out the terms, here’s the difference between preschool, pre-K and daycare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer part-time daycare in Cherry Hill?
Yes. At Sunny Days Children’s Academy, families can choose three or four full days a week, half days from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM, or a mix of half and full days, including in our classrooms for 3- and 4-year-olds. Five full days a week is also available. We’re open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, year-round.
Is half-day preschool enough for a 3-year-old?
For many 3-year-olds, yes. A half day still includes play, stories, art and time with friends, and it can be a gentle first step into group care. Some children are ready for more time as they get closer to kindergarten, and families can talk with us about what fits.
Is part-time daycare cheaper?
Part-time care usually costs less overall than full-time, but the cost per day is not always lower at every center. Ask each program for the cost of the exact schedule you need. For Sunny Days tuition, contact us and we’ll walk you through the options.
Can I use the NJ child care subsidy for part-time care?
Yes. New Jersey’s Child Care Assistance Program covers both part-time and full-time care, and the family copay percentage is lower for part-time care. Sunny Days accepts the NJ child care subsidy.
Find the Schedule That Fits Your Family
The best way to decide is to see a classroom in action. Tours take just 15 to 30 minutes. Contact us to schedule a tour or call (856) 320-2001.
